THSRC found at 6:45 a.m that a net used to grow vegetables was stuck on the lines providing electricity to the railway, resulting in the closure of the system between Tainan Station and Kaohsiung's Zuoying Station. THSRC then carried out urgent repairs, successfully removing the net at 9:55 a.m.

After the power supply, railway and structure were confirmed to be secure, the service was resumed at noon.

The shutdown was not caused by the torrential rainfall which had caused floods and mudslides on the island, THSRC explained.

In addition, the company adjusted the schedules and routes between 8:30 and 11:00 in the morning.

Affected passengers travelling that day could not request refunds for the delay because the responsibility of the delay did not fall on the company, THSRC said, adding that passengers who had purchased tickets and not boarded the train could ask for refunds or change their tickets without a surcharge.

THSRC is now collecting evidence and planning to take legal action over the incident.